April 16, 2002 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on mayor of Minneapolis view on police chief. R.T. Rybak, mayor of Minneapolis, says any public discussion right now about Robert Olson's future as police chief is inappropriate. Rybak's statement came amid reports he has told Olson to find another job. Rybak makes it clear Olson is not living up to the new administration's expectations in terms of what Rybak calls community relations. Report also includes comments from City Council members Scott Benson, Paul Ostrow, and Joe Biernat.
April 16, 2002 - MPR’s Steven John interviews Paul Ostrow, president of the Minneapolis City Council, about status of Minneapolis police chief. There are reports this morning that Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak is planning to replace Police Chief Robert Olson. Rybak and Olson have not confirmed those reports, but Rybak has said he is concerned about the relationship between the police department and the community. The police have been criticized in recent weeks for shooting a mentally ill Somali man, and using aggressive tactics against people celebrating the University of Minnesota's men's hockey championship. If Olson does not leave voluntarily, the City Council would have to buy out the remaining two years of his contract.
April 18, 2002 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak’s statements that it is time for Police Chief Robert Olson to go. Mayor Rybak says the chief hasn't done enough to foster public trust in the Minneapolis Police Department. Rybak will need the City Council's approval to buy out the remainder of the chief's contract. However, the council appears split on the issue, with some council members saying constituents don't believe a new chief will necessarily bring better relations between police and the community. Reports includes comments from Keith Ellison, attorney and community activist; Mathea Little-Smith, DFL activist; and Robert Lilligren, Minneapolis city council member.
April 18, 2002 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Tony Bouza, former Minneapolis Police Chief, about possible leadership change in Minneapolis Police department. Last night, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak confirmed that he has asked Police Chief Robert Olson to resign. Rybak says he asked the chief to step down two weeks ago in his words "for the good of the community." Olson has not commented on those reports. Fifth Precinct Inspector Lucy Gerold is reportedly being considered for the job of interim chief.
April 19, 2002 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak upcoming plans. Report includes subject of campaign promise of mixed income housing to the city, and on getting a new Minneapolis police chief.
April 25, 2002 - MPR’s Tasha Rosenfeld interviews Paul Ostrow, president of Minneapolis City Council, on lack of support on council to buy out of police chief’s contract. Minneapolis Police Chief Robert Olson will keep his job for now. City Council President Paul Ostrow says there isn't enough support on the council to buy out the two years remaining on the chief's contract. Last week, Mayor R.T. Rybak said he had lost confidence in Olson. Now, he says he will work with the chief if he needs to. Ostrow says dozens of Minneapolis residents have called the city to voice support for the chief. Ostrow also states that cost of buying out the contract was a big issue.
April 25, 2002 - Minneapolis officials have begun a review of the police department's use of force following a series of high-profile confrontations. Some citizens and even councilmembers told a joint council committee yesterday they are deeply concerned by images and stories of excessive force. Police say they're committed to removing bad cops, but only when the evidence supports it.
April 26, 2002 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on reaction from Minneapolis Police Chief Robert Olson on Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak’s attempt to oust him from position. Olson says that he has no intention of moving on. Rybak had requested Olson leave, followed by a failed attempt from Rybak on getting votes from Minneapolis City Council.
May 3, 2002 - A two-day conference in Minneapolis is examining how cities and small towns across the midwest are dealing with racial diversity. The Building Inclusive Communities conference is an opportunity for civic leaders, law enforcement and human rights activists to discuss ways to make the midwest more welcoming to new immigrants. Conference goers are hearing first-hand immigrant stories, watching films and sharing individual experiences. Therese Gales directs the Education, Refugee & Immigrant Program at Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights. She says immigrants share stories about facing numerous challenges when trying to integrate into a new community.
August 2, 2002 - A Hennepin County sheriff's spokeswoman says it will be weeks before they know what led to the killing last night of a Minneapolis police officer and a resident of a south Minneapolis high rise apartment building. Officer Melissa Schmidt died from a gunshot wound after she and her partner responded to a call from the Horn Towers complex that a resident had a gun. The resident, sixty year old Martha Donald died in the altercation.